Critical health, safety, and welfare issues come up periodically at Marconi Village in Marion. For example, a huge mound of dried branches and twigs piled two stories high remained on the front lawn for three weeks; Massachusetts state law requires that apartment doors be equipped with automatic door closers, many door closers are missing, and extreme water levels pile up against the building during intense rainstorms. 

There is a no smoking policy yet some tenants continue to smoke in their apartment and within 100 feet of the building blanketing the mulch with cigarette butts. SK Management renovated several apartments and filled the dumpster with construction debris, leaving little to no space for tenant trash. Consequently trash piled up and spilled onto the ground, attracting destructive, disease-carrying vermin. 

I reported community room air conditioners that blew warm air in the summer, an inoperative laundry room exhaust fan that caused a musty odor; and a laundry room door propped open with a wedge, which is a fire code violation. 

As a certified public housing Manager since 2007, I recognized these threats to tenant health and safety and reported them to the “caretaker.”  

When the “caretaker,” an SK Management employee, ignored the safety and health issues, I brought them before appropriate town boards, departments, and committees. 

Some people are furious with my actions, using coarse vulgar and threatening language to express their outrage.  

But rational, thoughtful, and civil people say, I am courageous. I am a leader. I am kind. I advocate on behalf of those who cannot. I care. 

Eileen J. Marum 

Marion